Columbia River, Major river in British Columbia, Canada.
The Columbia River flows through mountainous terrain, forests, and farmland over a distance of 2,000 kilometers (1,240 miles) before reaching the Pacific. It crosses the Canadian province of British Columbia and the American states of Washington and Oregon.
For thousands of years, indigenous peoples like the Chinook and Nez Perce lived along its banks and used the river for fishing and travel. In the 19th century, it became a key route for European traders and settlers moving west.
First Nations communities still fish along the banks where their ancestors caught salmon for centuries. Many local gatherings and ceremonies celebrate the return of the salmon and the bond between people and the river.
Numerous dams line the river and provide electricity to much of the region. Many sections of the banks are accessible, but water levels can change depending on the season and dam operations.
It carries more water into the Pacific than any other river in North America, around 7,500 cubic meters per second. This immense flow has carved deep gorges through volcanic rock that now form popular viewpoints.
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